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12/24/2019 10:30 AMJanuary might not seem the ideal time to be out along the open, sweeping landscape of beach and marsh, but for the last several years, people have braved the cold as part of the First Day Hike national program at Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset State Park, getting a brisk start to the new year while possibly catching a glimpse of rare and majestic birds and other wildlife.
First Day Hikes, which originated in Massachusetts in the 1990s, are now held in all 50 states as a way to promote the parks and give people a chance to appreciate winter wildlife, according to the state parks’ website.
Hammonasset is one of the most popular destinations as well as one of the best to see a handful of creatures that rarely come into contact with humans at least in this part of the country, according to Nature Center Ranger Russ Miller.
“The appeal at Hammonasset [is that] we’re really unique as far as the vistas you get here,” Miller said. “Wide open spaces right on the beach. [W]e get a lot of arctic birds that are only here in the winter, and this is really the best place in Connecticut to find them.”
Snowy owls, who move south from their habitats in the arctic tundra in the winter, are occasionally seen at Hammonasset this time of the year, Miller said, as they travel in search of food. People also have a chance to view seals in their habitat along the water, Miller said, along with a handful of other arctic birds, including snow buntings, peregrine falcons, and lapland longspurs.
The owls, though, with their unique white plumage, usually only found in extreme unforgiving environments, are always a big draw when they do appear.
“People will come from all over to see the snowy owl,” Miller said.
Though weather dictates how many people show up each year for the First Day Hikes, Miller said he has seen as many as a few hundred people take part in the event. The nature center divides the day into a handful of destinations, with some people choosing to take part in a tree walk, which follows a path to Willard Island, others climbing to an observation platform to try to catch sight of the birds and seals, and another group learning about geologic history and the history of indigenous peoples in the area.
With its diverse landscape and ecosystem, Miller said that the chance to see a beautiful natural wonder like Hammonassett at a time of year when most residents aren’t thinking of outdoor adventuring.
Apart from the opportunities to learn about winter wildlife, though, Miller said many people he talks to are excited simply to start the new year with an invigorating, outdoor adventure.
“For some people...I think it’s just, get out and hike,” Miller said, laughing. “I always say, this is people’s new year’s resolutions to get out and exercise and get fresh air. But I’m not going to see them in February.”
The First Day Hike is free and open to the public, beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at the Meigs Point Nature Center 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison. For more information about the center, visit www.meigspointnaturecenter.org.